R&I - Manager - R&I Stability & Compatibility

Cosmetica Laboratories Inc.; Toronto; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus eligibility

Equity

Benefits

Retirement plans

Paid time away from work

Job summary

Cosmetica Laboratories Inc. in Toronto is seeking a Lab Manager for the Stability & Compatibility Lab. You will lead a team of Analysts and Technicians to implement stability and compatibility programs for cosmetic and OTC products, ensuring adherence to GLP and company policies.

The role requires strong regulatory knowledge, leadership, and technical writing skills. You will participate in audits and drive continuous improvement, with a focus on quality and customer needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in science or related field, with equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 6 years’ experience in a GMP and GLP environment (e.g. cosmetics) in R&D/Innovation or Quality Control.
• Minimum 3+ years’ experience supervising and/or managing, coaching and developing a team.
• Excellent knowledge of regulatory requirements applicable to stability & compatibility of Cosmetics and OTC products in cosmetic industry, preferred.
• Excellent problem solving/trouble shooting skills and decision-making skills.
• Strong interpersonal and verbal / written communication skills; self-motivated; highly organized and detail-oriented with ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient technical writing skills including SOPs and Working Instructions.

Responsibilities

• Identify and monitor KPIs for Stability & Compatibility Lab aligned to goals and objectives.
• Conduct research for stability and compatibility information across Cosmetic and OTC products.
• Collaborate with R&I on product behavior under various stability conditions.
• Communicate stability issues internally and externally as appropriate.
• Guide preparation of stability protocols and reports per standards and regulations.
• Oversee lab equipment qualification and ensure SOPs are up to date.
• Support QA during audits and resolve audit findings with corrective actions.
• Provide training to ensure safe working environment per GLP and health & safety policies.

Skills

GMP/GLP experience

People management

Regulatory knowledge

Problem solving

Communication skills

Technical writing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in science

Job description

Job Title: Lab Manager (Stability Lab)

Department: Regulatory Affairs, Analytical, Stability & Compatibility (RAAS)

Report To: Director, RAAS (Regulatory Affairs, Analytical, Stability & Compatibility)

Location: Onsite

Status: Full Time Salary

Position Summary

The Manager, Stability & Compatibility will manage a group of Analysts and Technicians, implement product stability & compatibility programs to support the development of new and innovative formulations in the cosmetic and OTC areas, while ensuring that all departmental processes and company policies are followed.

The Manager of Stability & Compatibility is a key and active participant in processes leading to achievement of departmental and company-wide goals and objectives and plays an active role during regulatory, clients/third party and government audits (i.e. FDA, Health Canada).

Key Accountabilities

• Identify and monitor suitable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Stability & Compatibility Laboratory, aligned to departmental and company’s goals and objectives, to measure departmental performance and areas of opportunity
• Conduct research and searches for technical information, related to the stability & compatibility of Cosmetic and OTC products in Cosmetic industry, through a variety of platforms
• Work closely with R&I personnel on establishing product behavior under various stability conditions
• Ensure proper and timely communication of stability& compatibility issues /concerns internally and externally as appropriate
• Guide the preparation of stability & compatibility protocols and reports according to standards, client’s requirements and regulations / guidelines in collaboration with packaging manager
• Oversee the Stability laboratory equipment qualification and ensure all the corresponding working instructions and SOPs are available and up to date, ensuring proper monitoring
• Show proactive commitment to quality and continuous improvement
• Provide adequate training to ensure a safe working environment that is consistent with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and in compliance with company health and safety policies
• Active participation in Risk Assessment process as needed

People Management

• Manage and mentor R&I Stability & Compatibility laboratory personnel, develop their career path and provide technical and functional guidance in development of stability & Compatibility programs for both, Cosmetics and Over the Counter (OTC) products
• Provide assistance and support to stability & compatibility laboratory analysts and technicians in trouble shooting, and problem solving while investigating stability & compatibility issues and supporting R&I lab identifying root cause(s) and corrective and preventive actions.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with QA /QC in reviewing stability & compatibility data for CLI OTC products and cosmetics finished goods
• Actively support QA department during the hosting of internal and external audits, and develop the appropriate plan to resolve audit findings to ensure corrective action is taken
• Provide excellent customer service and have close interaction, as required, with clients to ensure client needs and expectations are met.

Other

• Attend seminars, symposiums, events, and training sessions related to the Cosmetic and OTC products in Cosmetics industry as required (national and international)
• Assist in any other related functions, which may include self-inspection, budget planning, sourcing of new lab equipment, and other R&I related activities

Skills, Experience and Education Required

• Bachelor’s degree in science, Chemistry or related field (e.g. Cosmetics science) and equivalent experience
• Minimum of 6 years’ experience in a GMP and GLP environment (e.g. food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics) working in Research and Development/ Innovation or Quality Control
• Minimum 3+ years’ experience supervising and/or managing, coaching and developing a team
• Excellent knowledge of regulatory requirements applicable to stability & compatibility of Cosmetics and OTC products in cosmetic industry, preferred
• Excellent problem solving/trouble shooting skills and decision-making skills
• Strong interpersonal and verbal / written communication skills; self-motivated; highly organized and detail-oriented with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment including time management skills
• Proficient technical writing skills including writing SOPs and Working Instructions

Nice to Have

• Good theoretical and working knowledge of D.O. Es and formula batch making and testing.

Total Rewards

The expected base salary range for this role is $90,000 – $110,000 CAD.

In addition to base compensation Cosmetica offers a competitive total rewards package which may include bonus eligibility, equity, benefits, retirement plans, paid time away from work, etc.

Final compensation will be determined based on relevant experience, skills, market conditions, and internal equity.

Additional Information

Cosmetica Laboratories Inc. utilizes AI-assisted tools as part of its recruitment and hiring process. These tools are used to enhance equity, efficiency and consistency. All hiring decisions are made by qualified personnel in accordance with applicable laws and company policies.

Cosmetica Laboratories Inc. is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and respectful workplace. We value diverse perspectives and experiences and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified candidates,